I do not own Naruto as a game, Manga, Anime series or a character. All original characters are mine though :P
Hi no Ishi (The will of Fire) - The Countdown
Teams are being formed, but how will this affect the freshly minted genin? And what are we counting down to? Well, regardless the action is getting kicked up a notch!
All underlined terms are explained at the end of the chapter.
All #Signed# terms are being said in one form of sign language or another.
~Hikaru's POV~
"If you think for so much as one second that I wouldn't rip a hole through your skull for this-"
"Hi-chan, no! Nee-chan won't-"
"Yuuna, please keep out of this." Having one bitch isn't enough. Oh yes, I know all about him claiming Sakura for his little harem. Hell, with all the willing sperm buckets constantly cooing over everything he does he should be able to have his pick of the litter. But no. Sasu-fuck-face decides that he needs to have Yuuna. And not even her saying 'no' matters.
"Yukikami, you should learn your place." He's just standing there in the doorway, acting like his attempted rape is the best thing that could happen to Yuuna.
That's it. Fuck the orders. Nee-san herself would rip him a new one if he tried this shit while she was here.
"You know, Sasuke-chan, trying to claim an unwilling female under the banner of the Clan Restoration Act is in fact illegal." Naruto announced, somehow standing right behind Sasuke as if he was there the whole time. I couldn't see him very well, but he seemed to be cleaning under his fingernails with a kunai and leaning against the wall as if he was on vacation.
"What's it to you?" He just doesn't get it. Naruto's been openly calling Yuuna 'Imouto-chan' for nearly a year now. A YEAR! And this mightier-than-thou piss-stain still doesn't get it. Gotta hand it to him, he's consistent if nothing else.
"I could tell you, but you wouldn't care anyway. So let's just say that she's Hikaru's girl and I happen to like it that way." Naruto was offering the teme the same dark tone that was being given the whole time. "But hey, why take my word for it. By all means, please take one more step towards your prize. After all, a mighty shinobi like yourself should be able to handle three genin. No problem right?"
That is a cue to draw my kodachi if I ever heard one. I made sure to draw it loudly, just so that the fucktard can really hear that I would like nothing more than for him to follow Naruto's suggestion.
"A word of warning though." Naruto was still as cool as I should be, but somehow this shit was just rubbing me the wrong way today. "Hikaru is good with that blade. But then, you'd know that if you could actually use the all mighty Sharingan... right?"
"This isn't over." Sasume chickened out. FUCK! I was just hoping to spill some Uchiwa blood... Well, there's always next time.
"Oh? Well then maybe I should be more obvious. Kitsunaga Yuuna, Senju Tatsuko, Hyuuga Hinata and Ryuusei Tenten are off limits. These are their own words and I have each of their permission to cut you down if you try anything against their will. That permission also comes with the added bonus of full authorization of the Sandaime Hokage of Konohagakure no Sato. Should you doubt that, please feel free to take it up with the man himself. And you'll tell him that I informed you of this personally, won't you?" The chilly tone he used was actually sending shivers up my spine! I'm used to being the chill factor in the room, but this is actually out of my league. And since when does Naruto have that much sway? Did I miss something?
Well, no matter. The point has been made and he is obviously not having his way this time.
"Now, if you'll kindly leave. We like to keep our doors locked and we actually have a mission waiting on us." I couldn't help but chuckle at the barb. I dunno who this guy is, but I like him!
"Imouto-chan, where are you supposed to meet your team?" We were on the rood, gear on and ready to take on the world again. Naruto and I agreed in no uncertain terms that we would take Yuuna to her team and have a little heart-to-heart with them before we go to wait for Kaka-sensei. Old lazy probably won't be there for another few hours, so we can take our time.
"Training ground four." Yuuna replied. She was obviously still a little out of it from the teme-scene. I really need to make it up to her; I should have been the one to deal with that ass, but I lost my cool. There was just something about the mere thought of losing her that did things to me.
Anyway.
We dashed off. Naruto leading the way, Yuuna right behind him and me taking up the rear. I felt safer being able to keep an eye on her, one of the reasons I always took the late shift. She's cute when she's asleep.
Losing focus. I tuned my hearing to pick up the slightest sound behind me and I kept the two blades I keep hidden in my sleeves ready to pounce at any given second. Teme wasn't going to give up so easily. Sure, he'll likely just take the route with least resistance for now, but he'll be back to-
You know what, fuck it. I don't care what he thinks. Yuuna is mine, just as much as I am hers. Naruto even gave his blessings, telling me to take care of his Imouto-chan. Nee-san has pretty much written us off as married at birth, so there is no one that can or will stop us from being together.
I gripped the string tied to my blades just a little tighter, ready to unleash my wrath on anything that would dare keep the love of my life from my arms.
It's weird not having Nee-san around. The last time we spent more than a day apart... well that had a greater purpose, and hundreds of Uchiwa died as a reward. Still, not being near her is bringing up some painful memories. I've never gotten used to not having her around.
Even when on missions, I was there with her. It was always her, Tou-san and me. The inseparable Yukikami trio, that we were. I may have lost Tou-san, and eventually I'll lose Nee-san to Kiba – via marriage, of course – but Yuuna is the constant in my life. She's the only girl that even looked at me when my face was fucked up. She's my home, and I will defend her from anything and everyone.
"Good moooooooooooorning Asuma-sensei!" Yuuna had recovered her aplomb during the sprint, so she was as happy as she ever was. Since the mission was completed, everyone was unofficially ordered to drop the masks we had trained ourselves to wear around the clock – what that means... kinda remains to be seen.
"Good morning, Yuuna-chan. I see you've come with full escort, care to explain?" Asuma. He's tall, bearded and seems to be unable to breathe without a cigarette in his mouth. As far as I can remember, he was once part of the Twelve Ninja Guardians – a group set up to guard the Fire Daimyo. That should mean without doubt that he is a tough as they come.
"Of course, Asuma-sensei. Hikaru and I escorted my Imouto-chan here to ensure that a very clear message was conveyed, both to you and to Uchiha Sasuke." Naruto spoke almost formally, clearly he thought this man was as worth respect as Nee-san. A statement in my opinion.
"Message?" He offered a lopsided grin. It might have to do with his cigarette though.
"Yes. If you would indulge an older brother's simple wish to ensure that Yuuna remains unaccosted, I would be most grateful." Unaccosted? Wow. Someone's been studying the dictionary.
The jounin smiled a little wider. "I'm assuming that includes Sasuke."
"Especially, but not only. You see, I do not doubt Yuuna's ability to stave off undesired solicitations. It's just that her unwillingness to resort to violence if needed tends to encourage the less... reputable... of the lot." Naruto seems... different. What has Nee-san been teaching that boy?
"So you would like us to use whatever force she is unwilling to, should the need arise." He catches on quick. I like him.
"Precisely." Naruto smiled. There seemed to be a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, he's got something up his sleeve.
"Alright, that seems fair." Asuma bowed to the him.
Naruto bowed in thanks, then turned to the last two members of Team 10. "This request includes Shikamaru and Chouji as well. Please, take good care of my Imouto-chan. She means the world to me."
"It's troublesome beyond words, but it is the right thing to do." Nara complained. Apparently the logic in the request agreed with him.
"Hey, I've got a little sister myself. I'll keep an eye on Yuuna if you help me keep an eye on Choumi. And Shikame, Shikamaru's little brother. Shikamaru probably thinks it's too troublesome to ask himself." Akimichi has a sister? Nara has a brother? Since when? What have I been missing? Was I that focused on guarding Yuuna and Naruto that I simply missed the entire world around me?
"A fair trade. And thank you." Naruto bowed again.
"Hey, guys! Maybe we should set up a picnic so we can meet everyone's family?" Yuuna seemed to be enjoying herself already. I couldn't help but smile.
Family. An odd word. One that used to describe the Yukikami clan. Later, that word was used to describe Tou-san, Nee-san, Yuuna and me. Then it was just Nee-san, Yuuna and me.
Words aren't supposed to change their meaning so often. But enough of all that philosophical bullshit, it's time to get ready for training with Kaka-sensei.
We made it to training ground seven, new home to Team 7. Kaka-sensei chose this same training field when Nee-san and me were on his team to keep an eye on Naruto and Yuuna. We would meet here at midnight every night to train. Maybe it's the proximity to the Memorial Stone, or just the variable terrain. Who knows. He's in charge so I don't need to worry about simple details.
"Hey, 'Ruto, wanna spar till one-eye shows up?" I asked once we were on solid grounds again.
"And ignore Sasuke-chan? Not a chance." There was that twinkle in his eyes again. I think I'm going to enjoy this.
"Well, I was hoping to do just that, but you seem to have something special in mind?" We both turned to Sasuke trying to put the moves on Ino – and Ino was obviously happy about it, seeing that she was placing her hand on his chest and saying something with half lidded eyes. Poor thing, maybe she's just unaware. "Hey Ino, don't touch that, you have no idea where's it's been!"
The chuckle that escaped Naruto told me that he wasn't completely different, he was just showing that there was a serious side to him. "Hey Sasuke-chan! How's Sakura-kun doing? I hear she's quite the screamer lately!" Yup, news travels quick in a ninja village. I heard the same thing last night when I went to the Hokage Tower to give in my final report as requested.
"Wait! You mean you already did it with Sakura-chan and are coming on to me now!" Obviously that little tidbit didn't get discussed as yet.
"What of it? I am supposed to choose at least four girls, she just happened to be closest at the time." He actually said that with a straight face? Impressive.
"The CRA?" Ino asked, seeming to understand the situation. "Sasuke-kun, you are supposed to tell the girls about that beforehand! It's not something you want to spring on them after the fact!" Ino actually earned a bit my respect for how she was handling herself. She was clearly still willing, but at least she wasn't blindly jumping aboard, ignorant of the cost. Not perfect, but not bad either.
"Everyone knows that I'm going to take more than one wife. Why point it out?"
"A little thing called RESPECT! Look, I have no intention of sharing my bed with half the village. So unless you come clean, please leave." She crossed her arms and actually took a step back. She meant business.
"You know what you need to." Sasuke seemed more crabby than usual. Not a bad thing in my opinion – not worse than any other pathetic detail about him either.
"Oh? Then how many girls have you already slept with? How many are you planning on 'recruiting'? How often will I have time alone with you, if at all... Do you love me or am I just another step towards fulfilling your ambition?" All very good questions he'll never be able to answer. "These are important factors to a girl, Sasuke!"
He didn't even answer her, he just took out a paper and crossed out something on it. "More trouble than she's worth. Hmm, I wonder who Akimichi Choumi is." Before he could even refold the paper, Naruto and I had our blades pressed against his neck. I made sure I was in his face, I wanted to see the life fade from his eyes if he did something stupid.
"She's Chouji's little sister, and a recent addition to the list of girls you can't have. Now, just run along and play with someone with low standards." Naruto intoned. He's really turning into a major cock blocker for that duck's ass. What? Don't act like you've never noticed Sasume's hairstyle before!
Again, Sasume hightailed it. I knew it was a matter of time before he got high on some of his usual bullshit and actually took the fight to us. I look forward to it.
After training, and catching the bane of ever genin's existence – in the form of Tora, the hellcat – it was time to call it a day. Naruto and I headed over to training ground four, where we agreed to met up with Yuuna. Interestingly enough, Ino decided to join us.
"What's with you?" I asked her about five minutes into our walk.
"What? That I'd associate with a basket case like you?" She crossed her arms and humphed.
"Among other things. Why aren't you chasing after your beloved? Trying to claim him for your own, and all that gobbledygook." Naruto's not going to be the only one that uses an expensive word today, and yes 'gobbledygook' is an actual word. Synonymous with 'jargon' to be exact.
She let out an explosive sigh. "I would love to, but Sasuke wasn't going to say anything about the CRA. That's worse than cheating."
"Good enough for me, Yamanaka." I said, actually offering a smile.
"You can call me Ino, you know." She said.
"Yes, I can." We continued walking in silence for a while. Blissful silence. I like silence, it makes it easier to pick out the sounds around me. Sounds like heartbeats, footsteps, the wind passing over, around and through every object around me. I can't quite map it out like Nee-san, but I can tell when something is off.
"Hey, 'Karu, I feel like doing something for Nee-san while she's away. You up for helping?" Naruto announced. Hmm, that could be tricky business. You never know how she'd react.
"Depends on what you have in mind."
"Well, since we're all genin now, that means we'll be making money to support ourselves, right?"
"Yeah, but it wouldn't be much unless we plan on doubling up on missions every day. There isn't exactly a glamorous paycheck waiting at the end of a D-class mission." Ino explained. Who the hell invited her into this conversation?
"Maybe, but it'll be enough if we pool it together, right? Then we could at least pay for the smaller things like food. It should be enough if we work together, right?" Naruto doesn't ask for confirmation unless he really has something big in mind. He's gotten so good at what he does that most of the time it's me asking him if a plan would work. Seriously, I think he's our group's second in command. But then, I think even Hokage-sama sees that Nee-san is good enough to ask her for advice most of the time.
"Money isn't an issue, and it never has been. What's this about?" With me being the unofficial head of the Yukikami clan – Nee-san will make it official once I make jounin – and Nee-san being the head of the Senju clan, and Yuuna being the head of the Kitsunaga clan... well, you get the point. Money is not an issue.
"I was thinking about talking to Hokage-jiji about us moving out of the orphanage. They could use the extra space." He sounds almost defeated...? Technically we could demand room and board until we make chuunin, so that means that there is something more going on.
"And moving into the Yukikami compound?" I asked, wondering why this is coming up all of a sudden.
"Yeah. I mean, it's rent free and it's just sitting there." He's got a guilty look plastered all over his face. Hell, he's even waking like he's guilty. He thinks it's his fault we moved out of our home. Well, it is kinda true, that was one of the main parameters of the mission.
"We'd have to ask Nee-san's permission first. And we'd have to run it by Hokage-sama too." I told him honestly. I may be the head soon enough, but she's still the official head right now. Still, it wouldn't be to hard to arrange. "But I see no problem with the idea."
"Can we go see Hokage-jiji about it after we get Imouto-chan then?"
"Sure, let me just send a crow to check with Nee-san first. You know how she gets when left outta the loop." I snapped my fingers and opened my palm (flat and horizontal) to accommodate the soon to exist being, mostly to confuse the hell outta Yamanaka – deception is one hell of a tool, ne?
The crow that formed looked at me, cocked its head to one side, then flew off into the setting sun. "KAAAAH!" It shrieked, very crow like. If I'm lucky, Yamanaka will think it's a summon or something.
"Shadow crows, cool." She announced, obviously impressed. Busted, uhh.
On our way to the Hokage Tower, with Yuuna in tow, I got the stream of memories that comes with releasing the Kagegaresu. I couldn't help but smile with what Nee-san was teaching Hinata. I recognized the training tools immediately, and the Hyuuga seemed to be taking to it well. That will prove to be interesting once she's half decent.
"Nee-san approved. In fact, she has a damn good improvement on the idea." I announced, just as we entered the Tower.
"Really? What?" Yuuna was gushing over the thought of not having to share any living space with the crazies running around the orphanage.
"You'll see." I told her.
We made our way up to the third floor, where Hokage-sama's office is and announced to the chuunin on duty that we needed to see the head honcho.
"He is in a meeting, but he'll see you shortly." We were told, so we took a seat and waited our turn. Yuuna was already working on some new seal she had been dreaming up, and Naruto was bugging her to explain what each marking meant and did – no matter how good he'd gotten, she was still lightyears ahead.
"You guys make seals?" Yamanaka asked, clearly shocked.
"No, their amateur characture artists. Can't you tell?" I deadpanned, earning an annoyed groan from her. "Look, you may be allowed to hang with us, but we don't trust you enough to be honest. So just be grateful they're doing anything that involves skill where you can see, okay?" She shrunk back, understanding my point perfectly.
#Hi-hi, way harsh!# Yuuna signed.
#I concur.# Naruto backed her up.
"Then tell me I'm wrong in a way she can understand." I stated, my eyes never leaving Yamanaka's.
"What would it take to earn your trust then?" Yamanaka asked.
"More than you could endure. Just-"
"Hi-chan means that we have a hard time trusting people." Yuuna interrupted. "You would too, if your clan was slaughtered by an unidentified group within Konoha." She seems comfortable enough to not go hyper-bimbo, but not comfortable enough to say anything revealing. Yamanaka is stuck in Limbo with us, that much is obvious.
Soon enough we were called into Hokage-sama's office, but I demanded Yamanaka remain outside. "Clan business is no business of yours." I'd told her. Which is what every clan tells anyone not of their own clan.
"Hikaru-kun, Yuuna-chan, Naruto-kun. It's good to see the three of you." The old man greeted us. His eyes held a calculating glint, so he knew this wasn't going to be a social call.
"And you, Hokage-sama. I apologize for the unneeded formalities, but we have come on official business representing Senju Tatsuko-sama." Naruto announced formally. He seems way too comfortable with that type of thing, given his rowdy and clown-like reputation.
"Of course, I have been expecting this for some time now. Please tell me what I can do to help." Came the reply. Here he leaned forward and hid the lower portion of his face behind folded hands. A tactic most leaders tend to use in varying quantities – you show nothing but see everything. Naruto turned to me, obviously pointing out that I was the only one that had spoken to Nee-san.
"Nee-san requests that we clean up the Senju District and prepare it for her return from her current mission. She is prepared to issue a long term D-class mission to Teams 7 and 10 to have every house, including Kikyo Castle, cleaned and liveable for her return." I explained. "As well, she requests that Kitsunaga Yuuna, Uzumaki Naruto, Yukikami Hikaru, and herself move into that district and recruit enough servants to aid us in our daily affairs."
Hokage-sama listened carefully as I stipulated Nee-san's exact words and guidelines. Obviously he had been expecting us to move into the Yukikami compound, not the Senju District. What, you didn't think that only the Uchiha owned their own section of town, did you? And as an added bonus, it's on the opposite end of town from the Uchiha District! We would almost never see shit-face again!
"I see." Hokage-sama said.
"She also said that you would have a list of sorts that would aid us in finding the very people we would need." I clarified, though I was not sure what it meant myself. Leave it to Nee-san to pass on codes that even I can't figure out.
"Of course, I've had it ready for a few weeks, still I am curious why this must happen now." His eyes held questions. Many, many questions.
"I believe it is a power play, to counter the Uchiha's CRA movements." Naruto offered. "A sign to Konoha that the Senju clan is not dying out any time soon."
"That is possible, but I think it's also a stick at Sasume for bugging the hell outta her." I added my two cents. "It's what I would've done."
"Well, regardless. I will have the keys you need in the morning. Please inform your senseis that I will need you to report here by ten. The list will be ready as well. And please tell Tatsuko-chan that I'll need to speak with her." With that we were dismissed, his next appointment already knocking on the door. A tall man with long white hair and weird red markings. Smelled of perfume and sake too. Did he just come from a pleasure house or something?
Well, that went well, all things considered. Hm, Naruto might well be right. The Uchiha gaining strength is something that would definitely be worth countering in Nee-san's eyes. Hmm, maybe we can help with that? I know just the thing we need...
Well, here we are again. In a way too small a room, huddled together like cattle in a barn. I hate this place, but luckily this should be our last night here. Naruto's on a mattress on the floor, Yuuna's on the top bunk and I'm kinda just hovering around the tiny window, seeing what little there was to see.
It's almost eleven, so there is another hour for those two to rest before we head out for our training – our real training. Soon we'd be able to stop sneaking around like this – we'd have more than enough indoor space to train whenever we please.
Soon. Somehow 'soon' never comes soon enough. I can still remember the days when we went into Training Ground Forty-four just as additional or supplemental training. We did most of our training in our basement – privacy can't be beat in your own basement.
I wonder if Nee-san would mind me and Yuuna sharing a room. I mean, right now no one cares cause we're all in the same room – no privacy to do anything naughty. Well, those are details we can work out in time. For now, we just need to focus on our immediate goal and have everything set up for our deadline in two and a half weeks.
Hmm, what is Nee-san planning? I'm sure she knows about Uchiwa's bedside conquest, so is this just part of the counter to that? Did she know that Naruto would start feeling guilty before he said something?
Sometimes it's hard to figure out what that girl knows in advance, it's like she can read minds or something. She's probably going to start making a lot of moves that she had been unwilling to do in the past. Maybe she'll let me kill that waste of sperm once the seeds have been sown? Hell, that way Konoha still has the Sharingan and I can say that the Uchiwa died at my hand too.
I may have let go of the past, but that boys continues to irritate me every time he breathes. Something only Fugaku was that skilled at it. Humph, like father like son. Retarded shit faced raccoons.
Anyway, best to wake up the troops and get down to training.
"Yuuna, here's your scroll. Keep in mind to use only the minimum chakra needed. We don't want Neko's team investigating us like last time." I handed her the scroll, earning a playful swat seeing that I'm the one that overdid it.
"'Ruto, Nee-san wanted us to work on that Tornado Strike together. We won't be able to do a full scale version, but we should be able to practice the seals and moulding the chakra needed for it. As well, she wants us to be able to do it without handseals by the time she gets back, so this is the time to use those clones of yours to their full effect to master this. Got it?"
#Roger, Hi-hi.#
Well, that settles that. Now it's just to actually get down to work. I'm quicker at learning a new jutsu than Naruto, always have been a fast learner. But he has the Tajuu Kage Bunshin no-jutsu, which makes up for whatever it is that he lacks.
It took me well over two years to master using Suiton and Futon before Tou-san would even begin teaching my Hyouton. Naruto has gotten to my level in Futon in just under four months. Four! And this is not even the level I was at when Tou-san said I was proficient, I mean the level I am now. It's no wonder that people feared his parents as they did. If they were half as skilled as Naruto seems to be, then they should have been the terror or their day.
Anyway, pointless ramblings. Time for action. Tori-I-Umi-Ne-Tatsu-Tori. Cup hands and focus chakra in the center of both palms, focus spinning chakra into open area between palms and release into open aired twirl.
Why does she always describe it like it's a dance? Most Futon involve focusing chakra either in the palms or the fingertips, sometimes even both. Well, other than Futon: Dan no-jutsu. That one focuses all chakra in your Adam's apple to pressurize the air and shoot it like a bullet. That one's fun to use when no one thinks you're dangerous. No handseals needed – at least not for Naruto and me – and it can be used at point blank range. I like Dan.
Alright. Now for the boring stuff. I get to repeat those six handseals in quick succession for the next four hours. Then we go home and get another two to three hours of sleep and start the day once again. Just one more night.
I looked over at Naruto, who already had thirty clones running through the sequence. Sneaky little bastard.
"My, my, my, you two look energetic this morning." Kaka-sensei announced, two hours late as usual. Naruto and me were sparring, killing time until our trusty and tardy leader decided we were worth his precious time.
Yamanaka tried to get us to spar with her too, but the first bruise was enough to teach her to cool her heals. What? Fuck you, shinobi fight. You wanna play shinobi then learn to take a hit or sit down and shut up. Hell, even Yuuna takes more punishment than that and keeps smiling. Then again, I think Yuuna would break Yamanaka in half without even trying.
"Hikaru, what did you do to your teammate?" Kaka-sensei asked. Obviously he noticed that she was sitting by herself, and was still clutching her side in pain.
"I sparred with her. In the same way I would spar with Naruto, Nee-san and Yuuna. If she wants to play with the big kids, then she plays with the big kid rules." I told him bluntly.
"Well, that seems fair at least. Well, let's get down to training then."
"Uh, Kaka-sensei. We have to report to Hokage-jiji before ten. So we can't take our precious time with training today." Naruto informed the cyclops.
"Oh, what about?"
"A mission. You'll know more when you need to." I intoned.
"Sounds good. Then I guess it's good that you two are already warmed up. Naruto, I want you to help Ino stretch, then spar for thirty minutes. No stopping. Hikaru, I have something special in mind for you. Come with me."
He lead me a fair distance away, making sure we were well out of hearing distance of the others. "What've you got for me, Hi-hi?"
"Nothing special. Usagi wants something done and soon, I just don't know what as yet. Usagi will let us know when we need to. As for Kuroikage, he's been silent lately. Probably doesn't need anything special right now, or too busy with something to notice us just yet." I explained evenly, already stretching to begin our spar once he was satisfied with the information presented.
"And this mission you spoke of?" He asked, not even bothering to stretch.
"Two and a half week mission to clean up the entire Senju District, including Kikyo Castle. It includes Team 10 as well. We have a list of contacts we need to approach about bringing life back to the Senju stomping grounds."
"That isn't a lot of time." No argument there. "But I think we can pull it off."
"We're talking about a hundred and thirty houses, a castle and six levels of defensive walls surrounding the area. Don't underestimate the situation, sensei." I warned.
"True, but you aren't taking your teammate into account. A couple dozen clones would speed things up nicely. Not to mention how good you're getting with those crows of yours." He said.
"Jeez, you sure you and Nara aren't related?" I teased.
"Start looking underneath the underneath. You're just as smart as Shikamaru when you want to be, you're just too used to taking orders." He droned. "Now come on, we have things to do today." I unsheathed my kodachi, smiling at the scarecrow. Bring. It. On!
Taking out a single kunai of his own, sensei charged at me – obviously testing if my reaction time is as good as it was. He was keeping the sharp end against his forearm so he could 'stab' me with the ring. It leaves a nasty bruise and is painful in its own right. I ducked under the strike, and offered the grip of my kodachi to his gut as a present.
He sidestepped the blow, trying to land his foot behind my knee. Known fact, lose your footing, lose your life, so I jumped and unleashed two Futon: Dan no-jutsus aimed for his shoes.
"You've been practicing." He smiled, stepping out of the trajectory of my attacks.
Three meters twenty, better jump back after this next attack. "I'm always practicing. I'm just shocked you didn't take out your Sharingan to try to copy that attack." I deadpanned, tossing three kunai with bomb tags attached his way. Don't confuse explosive tags and bomb tags. Any idiot can make and explosive tag, but bomb tags are Yuuna's brainchild. They have a bigger explosion and add a concussion blast in the mix – essentially a dual attack that looks like the same tag. No one ever sees the difference before hand. Well, no one else.
He shunshinned right behind me, obviously knowing that I would be smart enough to steer clear of my own attack. He actually tagged me with the kunai ring a five times, before I could get outta the way. Cheeky bastard.
And that shit really hurts too. Oh well.
I decided to unhook my sheath, seeing that it was time to step things up. I have five debts to pay. Kodachi in right hand, sheath in left, and Dan no-jutsu bringing up the front line. "A Yukikami always pays their debts, ne?" He taunted, waving me over to him.
Fine, since he wants to play rough, maybe some dancing kunai will even the playing field a bit. Focusing on the kunaibuyo no-jutsu I hovered the six kunai around me – three on my left, three on my right. I wonder if Kaka-sensei likes Swiss cheese?
Standing here staring at the map of the Senju District I can't believe how people could not notice how symbolic the entire area is. Hell, all of Konoha is just one big ass symbol of the Senju clan's might.
After all, what is Nee-san's favored weapon? Tessen. Look at a map of Konoha and you see a big ass tessen sprawled out, with Hokage Monument at the point where the frame of the fan converges. And the Senju District is literally designed off of the Senju Clan symbol! At the heart of the symbol was Kikyo Castle.
As promised Hokage-sama provided us with the keys we'd need, as well as a letter to show the ANBU that would be stationed at the only entrance to the district. Eventually we'd need to station our own people there, since the ANBU would be needed everywhere else, but we were promised that two ANBU guards would still be stationed there until further notice.
At any rate, it didn't matter at this point. We had the task of cleaning this place up.
Teams 7 and 10 were given the mission of cleaning the place up, but regardless it would be damn near impossible given how much needed to be done. "Bushomono, you got a plan?" I asked Nara.
"Yeah, take a nap and see how quick y-" WHAP! Yuuna obviously doesn't like slackers. She must have picked that up from Nee-san, 'cause she wasn't always like that.
"Got a plan that won't get you another one of those?" I asked, chuckling as Yuuna cocked her fist for one more go.
"... mendokusei..." He grumbled. I'm actually amazed he didn't fall over from the blow, but it isn't OOC for Yuuna to pull her punches when it's just to get a message across. "Start with the most important and work our way out. If the major parts are tip top, a few houses at the outskirts won't matter." He was nursing the soon to be bruised arm where Yuuna hit him.
"Sensei?"
"Sounds like a solid plan to me. We start at the castle then. Naruto send about thirty clones to check the roof, that way no one gets hurt if someone falls off. Hmm, and send about thirty more to start from the ground floor and work your way up. Everyone else, we start at the top floor and work our way down." Kaka-sensei instructed. Truthfully we were maybe five steps into the barrier of the Senju District. But it was far enough in that any tails we picked up would have to make their intentions known.
"Do you know who I am?" Uchi-teme announced when the ANBU wouldn't let him through. Clearly he'd been following us and has no intention to stop following us for whatever reason.
"Yes, but who you are won't matter so long as you attempt to enter without permission." I couldn't help but smile when I heard the familiar voice. Neither ANBU spoke when we entered, just checked our permission scroll. I honestly didn't think I'd know them – familiar though as they seemed – but I know that voice.
You don't spend every waking moment for six months with someone without recognizing every nuance in their voice. I turned around and took another good look at them.
Yup. Yu and Ise, the Ii girls that trained Naruto, Yuuna and me while Nee-san was away. Not the brightest in the bumch, but loyal and sneaky as hell.
"I demand you let me through."
"Can it, fuckwad." I ground out as I walked back. "No one gets in here without Nee-san's express permission. Which you know you'd never get. But by all means, there's an easy side entrance just over that way. Help yourself to sneak in through there." I told him, pointing to my left. I of course knew it was bullshit, seeing that the walls were mere decoration. It's the seals on the inside of the walls that keep people out – just like they keep people out of Konoha. You can only enter through the sole gateway, that's it – unless you like smelling like freshly backed duck.
Well, not my problem. He should know that unlawful entry is punishable by death. Right?
We continued on our merry way, without Uchi-teme. Eventually coming up to the second biggest building in Konoha. Second, because the Hokage-Tower was three floors taller. Though they were world apart in design and aesthetics.
Hokage Tower is smooth, round and new. It's designed with genjutsu covered windows so you can't look in and more importance than actual history.
Kikyo Castle however... as the ancestral home to the Senju clan is bathed in history. Twice as wide as it is long and equally long as it is tall, it forms a perfect rectangle without it's roof. The roof is always what sets a castle apart, so it was designed with the two traditional fish-dragons on both sides it its central beam. Blue roof tiles, royal blue was it? And five floors tall!
"This is going to take a long ass time." I complained. Everyone else kinda just nodded.
Do you know how big a castle is? It's a trick question of course, but the point is that you never know until you have to clean it. All of it... ALL of it. Every room, every bed, every closet, every window, every wall, every floor... All of it...
And that was just the cleaning. "Sensei, maybe you should start working on the list Hokage-sama gave us. Cause we are going to need reinforcements. I can't feel my hands." I wined.
"Yare yare. Complaining already?" He was lazing about, making sure we do our job perfectly. Lazy bastard. "Besides, they weren't meant to help with our mission, so keep scrubbing that floor. I can't see my reflection yet."
"Wow. Your reflection in a wooden floor. That's going to be a synch." I deadpanned, already scrubbing again.
"Hikaru, really. Naruto's doing ten times more work than all of us put together, and he's not complaining in the least." Yamanaka 'helpfully' pointed out.
"He's not complaining cause I'd point out this was his idea in the first place." I said, already scrubbing the floor. Guess what, after scrubbing this thirty meter long corridor... we get to oil it... yay. And this is just the top floor... four floors to go. Not even counting all the rooms...
Well, with a little luck Naruto will get most of the work down himself. Not that I'm lazy... Nara has that covered on his own. I'm just... designed to do... other types of jobs... than this. Are these damn brushes weighted or something!
Okay, let's see. Map... Top (fifth) floor is offices – I guess. That or storage of some kind. All more or less the same size, so the no real difference there. Funny seals on doors, so we couldn't open any of them. Nee-san can clean em herself if she won't unlock them.
Fourth floor is bedrooms. Lots of bedrooms. With a showering area at each end across from a slightly larger bedroom.
Third floor More bedrooms and a two large sitting rooms.
Second floor... master bedroom, study... separate showering area. Some smaller bedrooms, but still larger than on the fourth and third floors. Obviously the important people slept on the second floor.
And the first floor held the dojo, the library, the main sitting room, the kitchen... and a small basement under the kitchen for storage.
Fucking huge! And that didn't even include the empty space in the attic. You could house an army in that place alone! Let alone the houses in the surrounding area. There was even a pond, a small wooded area, and a park. FUCKING EPIC! We're going to live here? We'd never need to leave this place ever again. Plenty of space to train, to relax, to go nuts!
The only thing I can find is the traditional – and slightly predictable – hidden passages. Well, Nee-san can figure that out on her own when she gets here.
Day 1, and the castle was actually finished. Naruto rocks!
Yuuna, Naruto and I already packed all our shit and were moving into the castle. We decided to just claim a random room until Nee-san got back and we could organize a bit better. I decided that now was a good time to go over that list, but I didn't recognize a single name. Still, it didn't matter.
What I did know was that we needed to start buffering our numbers. We'd never need to actually defend the place, we were still well within Konoha's borders, so that was everyone's duty. No, it was more making sure people knew not to fuck with us. A common thing the idiots everywhere on the planet have been known to do at one time or another.
Nee-san would be working on a plan, and likely a list or two that needs handling. Hmm, I'll need to go see her soon about that. Or maybe I'll just ask Naruto to handle that, seeing that a clone would be more useful for that than a crow. Then again, I think Nee-san would want her little project to remain a secret until the time was right... well a list wouldn't be too hard to retrieve.
Hmm, interesting. I never thought Nee-san would actually do it. With everything that's happened in her life, I never thought she'd work up the courage to go through with it.
Then again... maybe courage isn't the key ingredient here. No, not by a long shot. There is a hidden motif there somewhere.
Repopulating the Senju District, claiming her rightful title for all of Konoha, and no doubt the world, to see. There is something she's trying to prove. Something she is shouting out loud for her intended audience. But what? And to who?
I can't help but feel the who is none other than the prick of all pricks. Well, more a mini prick if you ask me, but that is Sakura's trouble, not mine.
Hmm, Uchiha Sasuke and Senju Tatsuko. Both the last of their respective clans. Both about the same age. What sets them apart?
Well, before we graduated from the academy basically everything, but nothing Nee-san could talk about. So that means it's the view of the world. She lived in an orphanage and he lived in his ancestral home. Then he makes a move to start repopulating his clan... which she is still too young to do. But she has better connections than him, more friends and much better skills.
So how to tip the scale in her favor?
The Senju District... and Kikyo Castle. That and whatever else she has up her sleeve. I don't doubt for a second she's got more, but is waiting for the right moment. Hmm, what else could there be? I'm sure she'll tell me when I need to know.
Do you have any idea how sweet this is? I am training at eight in the morning. And no one can see me do it! I love this place! Sure, it's mostly just stretches, katas and some of the usual morning work out stuff, but I don't have to look over my should to do it!
The guys should be here in an hour or so, so there's still time to get cleaned up IN A PRIVATE BATHROOM and go get some breakfast. Not sure if Yuuna snuck some food in with her, but it makes no difference.
It's going to take a long time to get used to the shit most people take for granted. Like privacy. And the choice of when you go to sleep. Sure waking up is still more or less dictated my the team schedule, but that is much more flexible than the bullshit I've been living with for years!
"Mornin', Hi-chan." I stopped mid pushup, looking up to see a redheaded angel with those annoying creases in your skin that shows you were sleeping not more than five minutes ago. She still looked gorgeous.
"Morning sleepy head." I smiled. "Rest well?"
"Yeah. It was weird to not have to wake up at midnight to train though." She offered a lopsided grin.
"True." I continued my workout, only having thirty-odd pushups to go.
"It felt like we were breaking the rules or something." She seemed... preoccupied... with that thought. "Like we were cheating..."
"No. We're simply adjusting to the new rules. We can train here now, so sneaking around at midnight is no longer needed." I corrected.
"Adjusting, huh..." She clearly wasn't convinced.
Having finished my pushups, I got up and toweled myself off. "Yeah... It's like working with a new weapon. It's a little awkward at first, but over time it becomes a part of you. Just go with it, and trust that I'll be here to catch you if you fall, okay?" I gave her a peck on the cheek, telling her to get ready 'cause we were heading out for breakfast.
We were out the door in less than ten minutes, with Naruto in tow. Naturally we headed for Ichiraku's. So much is changing so quickly, but that's a good thing in my opinion. "Good morning, should I pour some tea while you guys check the breakfast menu?" Teuchi-san greeted us. Ayame-san must have the late shift today, seeing she's not here.
"Sounds good to me!" Yuuna enthused. Bubbly as ever, in public domain. I can see the worry lining her eyes.
"So, you've come out of your 'castle' at last." I heard a mosquito buzzing somewhere in the distance. Oh wait, that's just fuck-face.
"Listen, I don't need people troubling my customers!" Teuchi warned. He was well aware of the bad blood between that prick and us, and we're his best customers – in volume of orders, if not frequency.
"And look, you've found a new pet too. Does he do any tricks?" King emo is really PMSing this morning.
"Look, Uchiwa, fuck off. We've got nothing good to say to you and we have a long day ahead. You know, missions." I intoned. I could feel a burst of killer intent wash over me. Too bad it would only affect babies, or maybe some small woodland critters. Nah, they must be used to really scary shit, like beavers. Yeah, beavers are totally out of that prick's league.
"So, you three move into someone else's property and suddenly you think you're something."
"Wow, Sasume, that's the most I've heard you say without pausing to brood. Shouldn't you be off stealing people's daughters or something?" Teuchi seemed to frown a little deeper at that statement. "Oh you didn't hear, Teuchi-san? Uchiwa's in the CRA and he thinks it means he can fuck anything that walks." The frown deepened more, but he focused on preparing our order.
"Hnn." He sounded pissed. Like I fucking care! Go bother someone else! "I ne-"
"Fuck off, Uchiwa. We are trying to eat our meal in peace." I didn't even turn to him this time. I knew that if he tried something stupid Naruto would give me the heads up. And Yuuna certainly wouldn't let her guard down with him around either.
Why did that matter? Because completely ignoring someone shouts how little of a threat they represent to you. And to shinobi, that is cause for war.
He's still standing there. I can sense him. He's got something to say, but he really should have picked another fucking crowd.
"Sasuke, what do you want?" Naruto finally asked, actually turning to face the boy. Well, food wasn't served yet so we have a few seconds to kill. Five, four, three, two... one. Nope. No longer give a fuck.
"Nothing you would understand." He said, turning to walk off. Good riddance.
"And I believe you owe me something." He was suddenly standing next to Yuuna – a shunshin if my guess was right – leaning in. She shied back, but made no move to ward him off psychically.
"W-w-what...?" He was leaning in to kiss my girl. Well. Cause of death... definitely a kunai through the heart.
I drew my blade – never leave home without it, and was already shoving it forward to pierce right between his fifth and sixth rib, aiming up slightly. Even if he's lucky enough for me to miss his heart, that would puncture the tube rubbing between his lungs – and Tou-san taught me to always follow through and sever the lung for good measure. Still as good as dead.
CLANK!
FUCK! Naruto was using the ring of one of his kunai to stop my blade. He was even reinforcing it with chakra to not leave room for surprises. "Uchiha Sasuke. This is the one and only time I save your life. The next time you attempt to even speak to my Imouto-chan I will not stop anything that comes your way. Is that understood?" Naruto's being far too generous, but it's his right.
Sasume was suddenly acting like he didn't care. "She'll be mine in time." I heard him mumble under his breath. "They all will be."
Nee-san is going to hear about this. Today. I'm taking no risks with this rapist wannabee.
To hell with missions. To hell with training. To hell with crows. I told Kaka-sensei the situation and told him that I was going to Nee-san to give her the update personally. There was no way I was standing for that kind of bullshit. Even if Naruto says he'll keep out next time – there will be no fucking next time. This shit has got to stop. I am not living my life looking over my shoulder for another Uchiwa shaped shadow, wondering who he'll take from me next.
Fuck that. I've lived that life until Itachi – the only honorable Uchiha that ever walked the face of the planet – swept his clan off the fucking map. I'd trade Sasume for Itachi in a heartbeat. Shit, Itachi could sleep in my fucking bed!
It took me less than an hour to get to Nee-san's camp – and another three hours to give her every detail as she wanted to hear it. Yes, she likes every little detail.
"I see." She eventually said. Aoba-sensei seemed even less impressed than I was and Kiba seemed ready to neuter the fucker. Hinata however, seemed to be bothered on a whole other level.
"Hinata-chan, spill it." I instructed. She stammered for a good minute, trying to say something intelligible.
I didn't understand half of it. Sorry, but the hour long run did nothing to cool me down, so decoding her stammering is not in the realm of possibility right now. But seeing that everyone that could understand her was getting visibly upset...
"What'd he do?"
"He's angling with her father to marry her legally. And her father has thus far agreed." Nee-chan translated. FUCK! Naruto's not going to be pleased to hear that! I'm sure I'll be sent to kill him in his sleep now... Hmm, maybe I should be the one to tell him. Yeah, then I'll be sent for sure. I couldn't help but smile at the thought. Definitely telling him.
Nee-san took out a blank scroll and was furiously scribbling something onto it. She then rolled it up, and sealed it with a jutsu. She tossed it to me. "Take that to Hyuuga Hiashi. No one is to read that scroll other than the intended audience. Is that clear?" I nodded. "Tell him that the river is flowing, and spring is blooming. He'll know what it means."
Senjus and fucking codes. Whatever. Flowing river, blooming spring. Anyone for a game of chess? Cause clearly I've become a fucking pawn here.
Hearing the pieces moving. That's all I ever get. I've just told the guard at the Hyuuga gate that I have message from Senju Tatsuko, and he seemed more than eager to let me in. What the fuck have I been missing? I was immediately escorted into the compound and instructed to wait in the sitting room for 'Hiashi-sama'. Sorry, but other than Hokage-sama the only one that ever gets the 'sama' suffix died a long fucking time ago.
"What is this message you bring me?" Another nameless Hyuuga asked me. Well, he should be pretty important, since his forehead is unmarked.
"Would you tell the messenger more than he needs to know?" I asked, showing him the scroll Nee-san gave me. He smiled, but made no move to reply – or to take the scroll. "I was instructed to say that the river is flowing and spring is in bloom." His eyes widened – barely noticeable, but there. He took the scroll without problem and broke the seal. Weird, seeing that when a scroll is sealed with a jutsu, only the one who seals it knows how to break that seal without a second thought. It's like having a password, Yuuna had explained once. Sometimes the password is to keep people out, or to prove who the sender is... maybe that's it? Oh well. Whatever.
"You will of course forgive my suspicion as to the timing." He said, burning the scroll.
"I beg your pardon, but I don't know what the scroll said. I was instructed to give it to you. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a million things to do today." I turned, already walking away.
"Tell Senju-sama that I would discuss this with her personally." He said.
"Hyuuga-san, I am not obligated to to take orders, or even helpful suggestions, from anyone other than my Nee-san. Should you have a message, you should know how to contact her. Good day." I shunshinned out of that compound, not giving him another second of my time. Nee-san would have told me to expect a message from him if I was meant to take one. She knows I have no patience for people. Unless I was ordered to kill them. That's different. I've stalked people for weeks before slicing their throat without a second thought. But ask me to talk to them? Nah. Too much effort.
Fuck I sound old when I think of it like that. I wonder what Yuuna-chan is up to?
Kitsunaga Yuuna. Born Namikaze Yuuna. The purest flower I've ever set my eyes on. She's busy cleaning the kitchen of one of the houses, so focused on the task at hand that she doesn't even sense me. She is the reason I breathe. I honestly think I would have lost my mind if it hadn't been for her. She soothed me, healed me with her innocence.
Me... the prodigious son of Yukikami Suipou-sama. Sure I never met the legend, the only man said to have been a worthy rival of the Yondaime. But that title is irrelevant in death. Tou-san is the one that raised me, trained me... loved me.
The woman who bore me spoke of nothing but her late husband all my life – until death silenced her. She would only say how Suipou-sama was the true head of the Yukikami clan and that Tou-san was not worthy of leading it. She filled my head with a lot of bullshit like that. Still, Tou-san would just agree with her, saying that he was merely raising me in his elder brother's steed. He would always say that he was a follower, not a leader. That was why I was 'taught' to lead.
Of course I didn't give a shit about any of that. I only wanted to be with my Tou-san and Nee-san. They were the only ones that saw me, instead of the ghost of Suipou-sama overshadowing me. That was why I followed everything either of them ever said – they earned that right. I am more than capable of taking the reins and making up my own mind, but I see no point in it. It would just give those assholes a right to gloat in the afterlife of how much like my birth father I am. Fuck them.
Suipou-sama means a lot to me, yes. Like a goal I want to achieve, a hurdle to overcome. But that is not what a father is supposed to represent. That is what Tou-san has taught me, everything that matters. To cherish, to love, to hold close those that bring meaning in your life.
Yuuna is one of those people. And she is one of the very few. She is everything. Hell, if she asked me to bring her dust form the moon, I doubt I'd ever give up until I did just that.
Do you know that, Yuuna? Do you know how much you truly mean to me? How much you are worth?
I just stood there for a long time. Imagining Yuuna washing the dishes after dinner, with our kids running around in the backyard. Me coming home from a mission and kissing her, telling her how much I've missed her while I was gone. Or better yet, me never having to go on missions at all. I'm sure being the head of the Yukikami clan would earn me a seat on the council. I'd have to be a jounin though... hmm. Well, that can be arranged, if it meant having more time with Yuuna...
Just then, Yuuna turned around. Her eyes met mine and she smiled. "I wash, you rinse?" I nodded, wondering how long she'd known I was there.
Kami-sama, I love this girl.
A/N: Here you have it folks, chapter 24! And in record time might I add! Well, the good news is that chapter 25 should come this fast as well, just need to iron out a few scenes and pimp it up, then get approval ;)
Kiravu, We love you!
Also a side note. I usually reply to my reviewers via PM, but Namikaze's review wasn't signed so I couldn't reach him/her (I assume him). Well, I think this chapter cleared up any concerns you might have regarding Naruto's intelligence and ability? I gave everyone a heads up saying that he was to wear that mask, didn't I? :-3 For those who read my profile, you should know that I enjoy hiding all hints between the lines.
As for Your Hoshi, I'm glad you're enjoying the story :D I love hearing what you guys think, but so far only Red Ranger seems intent on telling me regularly. Which, btw, is currently my favorite Reviewer! Love you girl!
Usagi - Rabbit
Kagegaresu - Shadow crow, mostly for those who don't remember it from when Aoba was teaching it to the three.
Tajuu Kage Bunshin no-jutsu - Multi Shadow Clone jutsu, for those who were unsure.
Futon: Dan no-jutsu - Wind release: Bullet jutsu, something like what Danzo uses, but then something like what the Tanuki uses too. Something of a mix between the two. Just imagine a bullet getting shot out of the users mouth made of pure air.
Yare yare - Literally means 'sigh'. Kakashi's version of mendokusei.